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Once you purchase your jewelry, here are some tips for caring for that special necklace or bracelet or pair of earrings:
Sterling Silver
Most of the jewelry we offer at Whale’s Tale is made of sterling silver.
This metal is composed of 92.5% fine (pure) silver, and 7.5% alloy, usually copper. The copper alloy strengthens the metal so that it can be fabricated into jewelry. Unalloyed, silver is generally too soft to work.
Care for your Sterling Silver Jewelry
Silver will oxidize, or tarnish, when exposed to air. To preserve the finish on your sterling silver jewelry, wipe the piece after each wear, and store in a zip-loc plastic bag. If cleaning is required, we suggest a special silver polishing cloth, or a silver "dipping" solution. Both are available at most hardware stores. Use caution when using chemical cleaners. Some pieces have intentionally darkened areas. As this is part of the design, it is best to use a polishing cloth. Dipping these pieces will remove the oxidized areas. Also, use a polishing cloth on any piece with a pearl or soft stone, such as turquoise, lapis or malachite.
14 Karat Gold-filled
The term gold-filled refers to a process of binding metals in which a thin layer of 14-karat gold is pressure-bonded to a brass core. This is sometimes referred to as 14/20 or 1/20th 14 karat. This refers to the ratio of gold to brass, by weight, which is 5%. Because of the pressure bonding, the gold surface metal will not rub off or tarnish and it is very durable.
Caring for your Gold-filled jewelry
This metal can be cared for much the same way as sterling silver. It is best to store your jewelry in zip-loc bags between each wear.
Vermeil
Pronounced vur-may, vermeil is a 14-karat gold layer measuring 100 millionths of an inch, over sterling silver. Standard plated metal is 2 millionths of an inch and is much less durable than vermeil. Although less durable than gold-filled, vermeil is more durable than gold-plating. With proper care, your vermeil jewelry will last for years.
Caring for your Vermeil jewelry
This is a thin coating of gold and requires that care be taken to avoid vigorous polishing. Oxidation of the sterling silver underneath is possible, so store your jewelry in a zip-loc bag. If your piece does require cleaning, use only the silver “dipping” solution, being careful to avoid the soft stones (pearls, lapis, turquoise, and malachite).
In all cases we suggest that you not wear your jewelry when swimming or bathing!
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